You may not realize what a close connection Staatsburgh and the Mills family have to the events we commemorate by recognizing Independence Day as a national holiday. Ruth and Ogden were born about eighty years after the momentous event, but there is a family connection! Mrs. Mills' great-great grandfather was a member of the Continental Congress and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. We know that Ruth took considerable pride in her ancestors because several historic documents relating to Francis Lewis and other illustrious fore-bearers were displayed in the house.
 |
| Francis Lewis (1713-1802) |